Victor Wembanyama's ceiling | Thinking Basketball

The Ringer's J. Kyle Mann returns to discuss Wemby's incredible potential after exploding in the last month. What are realistic areas of improvement for him? What does he look like with more size? We discuss his offensive potential, defensive feel and IQ and whether he could have the highest peak we've ever seen.
#thinkingbasketball

[@moreTB]

Timestamps 5:54 Can Victor Wembanyama be the GOAT? 19:00 Where could Wemby rank among all time defenders? 34:58 A Wemby skyhook would be unstoppable 39:24 Could Wemby become the best big man passer in the league? 45:10 What happens if Wembanyama becomes a good shooter? 53:43 Is Victor Wembanyama inventing a new GOAT archetype? 1:01:50 Chet is going right to the Hall of Fame 1:06:23 Can Victor Wembanyama become the youngest MVP ever?

[@anthonybermeo5541]

The game footage accompaniment for this video is gonna feed families guys

[@antonioleon3123]

I always wonder why they dont hire someone to do this for them for every podcast

[@Tony818L]

I’ll do it!

[@allthingsbasketballpodcast]

@@antonioleon3123because nba owns content and they can get demonetized

[@diego-dias]

love how until Kyle says Wemby's ceiling is being the GOAT the whole podcast was one of them daring the other to say it first

[@moreTB]

This is exactly correct

[@IamnotfromUSA]

He has improved so much since this podcast it is unreal. WTH is happening

[@evaternal]

his ceiling is the greatest individual athlete in any organized sport ever. just my opinion but i truly believe that.

[@bl00dsaint767]

I get your point but i would argue that he isnt as talented as other sport legends like a messi, tiger woods or micheal phelps.I wouldnt be suprised though if he becomes the basketball GOAT

[@natsubhar2001]

Nobody is toping Wayne Gretzky man his achievements are unbeatable

[@MaxCDet]

@@bl00dsaint767Define talent.

[@arkadefire5909]

Definitely not in Football/soccer. His conditioning is already an issue in the NBA, his body is just too big to sustain a full 90 minutes game. Maybe if he played goalie, but you can't really become the GOAT as a keeper

[@Tsagan]

@@natsubhar2001 Competition in NHL isn't comparable to Soccer. Messi won everything, his stats are more impressive when you look at his opposition.

[@AlligatorGod]

Front row seat watching this guy in San Antonio - you guys make me feel much better for validating all the thoughts and feelings I’ve experienced watching this alien 👽 play so far. - both of yall are the goats of basketball content on YT btw fo real

[@laiiididiiir]

Best podcast on Wemby by far. congrats guys!

[@luigidabest4743]

you guys didn't touch on this much but his handles have become much better and more similar to the kd comp we've been getting. before a lot of his turnovers would come from bad handling of the basketball but now they mostly come from risky passes or passes that his teammates can't control or fumble. just another aspect of his game he keeps improving on

[@Cbiz210]

It seems as if Vic wants his audience to be constantly captivated, bewitched, so that it leaves the game dazed, stunned to be back in real life...

[@Convisis]

He absolutely does, he’s a performer as much as he is an athlete. I suspect it frustrates him to not be able to put on the performances he believes he’s capable of.

[@Convisis]

It’s pretty clear this guy is fixed on having a do-all game at 7’4 that is completely anomalous. He wants to have the playmaking usage of a Luka/Jokic, he wants to be the individual offensive threat of a KD, he want the interior game of a Tim Duncan, the transition game of a Giannis, and the shot blocking deterrence of a Gobert. But he wants to do it his way. I don’t know if he gets there but it’s going to be a hell of a ride watching him try to manifest his vision.

[@cyber6sapien]

I see everyone saying he's 7'4". But with shoes he's closer to 7'5".

[@SonOfGropUte]

When you are talking about the fact he is smart. It's worth noticing he was graduate from high school in France one year in advance (with really good mark) while he was professional for 2 or 3years

[@ogamiitto8627]

And nobody wonders how come such a young french man speaks english so fluently... He's a freaking fast learner in everything, even his mom was shocked the day she realized he was bilingual.

[@crablord7934]

​@@ogamiitto8627the most remarkable thing about him learning English is that he himself knew at like 15 if he was to ever play pro basketball in the states, he was going to have to get good at English early. So he started by his own accord, and actually got good at it in his own time. The guy is ridiculously focused and mature.

[@xXiTzxAsTrOXx]

This is already an all-timer 💯💯

[@superfinevids]

I'm glad there are others out here who are as giddy about Wemby as I am.

[@360carter3]

You’re not the only one bro. We all see it just like you do

[@bl00dsaint767]

dont be too giddey about him though if u know what i mean

[@360carter3]

@@bl00dsaint767 Josh Giddey 😂😭

[@superfinevids]

@@bl00dsaint767 I know what you mean 😅

[@Anthonydu01630]

Wemby will be the ultimate ceilling raiser (as well as an elite floor raiser), but he’s the type of guy to make an already good team unbeatable, like KD or Curry on the Warriors, or AD for the Lakers or KG for the Celtics, they can play with any type of players and elevate the ceilling of their team because they aren’t ball dominant, so they can play with other superstars without sacrificing a part of their game, and even when he’ll be older, he’ll be able to play a role and impact the game at a high level just like Tim Duncan or David Robinson who were still elite rim protector because of their size and IQ. So it’s just a matter of time before the Spurs become a dynasty imo, if they get Alex Sarr, Cooper Flag or another great talents like them, then make a trade for Donovan Mitchell or Trae Young, and then get some veteran chasing rings like Draymond, Derozan, Jordan Clarkson ect and you have a contender

[@Justin-kl7mp]

I agree with everything, but I don’t think Dray will be ring-chasing.

[@brandon8347]

Dime Drop and Thinking Basketball in one video? My favourite basketball personalities by far. Thanks for keeping me entertained!

[@mrdan523]

Watching that last Mavericks vs Spurs game. As a Mavericks fan it felt like the game revolved around Wembanyama. His presence and magnetism is something I’ve never seen before.

[@serge6885]

I've followed Wemby since he was 16 and I never doubted for a second that he would quickly adapt to the NBA. I even wrote in old videos that he could score 50 pts in his rookie year. He has always known how to evolve. Now the question for me regarding his NBA career is: can he develop a midrange like Kevin Garnett? If he can do that, he's going to dominate the league even more than Garnett. And also, can his 3-point shooting stay above 36%? In any case, his stepback 3 is already very strong, currently at 42%. In this case, if he wants to shoot 3 pts, he must do it after a stepback.

[@KyoshiHonor]

Big fellas just getting started, he has an unimaginable ceiling right now. Whats even scarier is he has a bro who hoops in France who’s 15 and 6’8 already 😂😂 could have two wembanyama’s in the league come 3 years time

[@1509Freeze]

I also think Wembys surroudings are extremly beneficial. Both his parents were pro athletes, his siblings, even his grandparents... He has seen what that takes from a young age, like mothers milk. He already had an option to join FC Barcelona to play football at 14, but decided against it! Who in their right mind would turn that down? Landing in SA with Popovich will pay dividends too. Its like a continued perfect storm.

[@Desi365]

The offer was joining the basketball academy of the pro club of FC Barcelona, not the football Masia ! He 's good but Nar good , lol.

[@sp123]

50% of NBA players have a pro athlete/Olympic parent. Its par for the course

[@dirkcallaway]

Hmm.. Best defensive player + top 5-10 offensive player = HAKEEM!! (But, yes, Wemby could be even better)

[@guillaumeraux]

Exactly. Now add a few inches of height and wingspan, a GOAT coach from day one, 3 years of pro Basketball before turning 19 or playing in the NBA, and an organization like the Spurs, mentors like David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, or Gobert, and you get the surest way to Top-10 All-Time, assuming health. Basically, Top-20 or 15 is pretty much his floor (again, assuming his health and rosters follow, which, to be fair, is still a massive "if"). The Ceiling truly is GOAT.

[@Captainaceguy00]

Hakeem, shaq, Kareem, wilt. All best defenders with 25+ ppg in their prime. And the main thing they all had was elite strength paired with agility. Wemby has the size, agility and intelligence to be legendary but lacks strength. I’m not saying it can’t be done, just that it hasn’t ever been done before

[@nicholaskhanyola989]

Watching this after Wemby had a 5x5 and literally almost did it in back to back nights makes a lot of what your saying seem less like hyperbole. Dude's ceiling is limitless.

[@snapwilson316]

Just starting this but I wanted to ask. Are we going to get the Sub All-Stars pod in video form? I want to see what's going on with Ben's hair.

[@fanfanaaarg2771]

My God, what a rookie season. He is scary. It's beautiful.

[@Yoko-oe3cv]

I wonder how the spurs will build around him, u can easily build the best defensive team in the league, and offensively if he have the right players around him when he’s polished with a j and better pr ball handler (just need to see every coverage and improve feel will come wit time) it’s gonna be poetry

[@tyn6211]

Spurs need better playmakers and cutters at almost every position. Too many guys, even Vassell, are black holes with the ball or stagnant off-ball. Think of Denver or 2014 Spurs, neither of which had a traditional point guard, but almost every player could pass.

[@kelleyeidem667]

It's interesting how this video was made before the season had ended prior to Wemby's performances soaring to new heights.

[@bored4161]

As a spurs fan I’m watching this video 7 million times

[@eikatbu]

There was a best defender in the league who also was an All-Time Game Wrecker on offense. HIs name was Hakeem.

[@mrdan523]

Hakeem wasn’t selfish enough, so his all time numbers don’t look as sexy.

[@ogamiitto8627]

MJ ?

[@taptiotrevizo9415]

Doesn't Hakeem literally be in the top 5 peaks of Thinking Basketball, and Hakkem was more of an all time great tough shot make and floor raiser

[@crablord7934]

The best part of watching Wemby experiment now is just how ambitious he is. He wants to be a combination of half of the all time greats to ever play the game all packaged into his 7'4 frame. Scary thing is, if anyone can do it, it's him.

[@360carter3]

You guys might think I’m fucking crazy when I say this but, ofc Wemby is the most amazing thing we’ve seen in a long time. So when I look at Wemby’s overall skillset offensively and defensively , the way he moves, the way he sees the game, his mindset, his maturity, his personality of wanting all the attention but not too much of it, the media. I honestly think Luka, Jokic, Embiid and Giannis….they know something at the back of their minds that we don’t. Why do you think they WARNED the league about him before he even got here? A lot of people say “they’re the face of the league” but what if one person was the face of the league, NOT FOUR? It’s like I feel like their 4 individual skillsets, are like pieces to ONE PUZZLE. What I’m saying is if you put the skillset and mentality of Luka, Jokic, Embiid, and Giannis in ONE person, You make Victor Wembanyama. He seems to be a blend of all of those guys. I mean come on, “something we’ve never seen before”? Luka, Giannis, Jokic, and Embiid were all things we’ve never seen before as well. A lot of people like to say Wemby is like the chosen one. But look what I’m saying makes sense but at the same time it doesn’t makes sense but I guess we’ll just have to see in the future when he grows into his body more and becomes more mobile.

[@richardwilliams7374]

Yes. His passing ability and size on offense, plus defense. Yup

[@360carter3]

I’m telling you bruh he’s gonna be the “impossible” basketball player

[@michaelcoco3913]

Love this collab.

[@mathieumalecki6332]

"He's tall. That's really it." - Dillon Brooks, 2023

[@360carter3]

He’s a future 99 overall, Cheat Code

[@Scone635]

Imo, the crazy floater threes are almost a throwback to the 40s and 50s before the jump shot was standardized and people were taking crazy as set shots and runners from 20 feet

[@MarcoDeLasVegas]

Chet is as much a rookie as Wemby is, maybe even more. Wemby has played professional adult basketball for 3 years before going to NBA. Chet has played NCAA and been injured his full 1st year. He understands NBA more; He knows his teamates better and the tactics too compared to Wemby. But, exactly as Wemby, that the first year he puts his feets on the court against the NBA players. And I'm a full Wemby fan, I'm french...

[@mikeisms]

Oh, did you guys each have a video?

[@risingtoneofthemojo]

What's crazy is this was before he almost had back to back 5x5 games 😂

[@explosivehotdogs]

As a coach I'd say passing drills alll day for a week.

[@cathalprice5190]

Can basketball survive Wembanyama?

[@vlesmeries]

And english is his second language. And he is already so well spoken.

[@DeTruthful]

what ceiling?

[@razkable]

He can be the most impactful defender ever but it's hard to be that in this shooting era as a center same for being the most skilled center ever in an era of small ball where a big is your best guy but isn't a handler attacker post up pick and roll guy yet...he needs better help around him...he can inpact the game and help others and give fear to foes like a peak steph....

[@ramonpunsalang3397]

So what is Wemby's unstoppable signature "go to" move going to be? Kareem had his Skyhook, Duncan is remembered for his bank shot, Gervin had his finger roll.

[@waynesulak1488]

The guys they talks about being beat passers, Lebron, Luka, Jokic, Sabonis, Sengun. All except Lebron are Europeans. Most American prospects seem to not receive proper coaching on passing and thinking the game. There are some exceptions like Brunson who is the a son of an NBA player and four year college guy.

[@EmanCollins]

YES. FLOATER THREE CONVERSATION PART 2!!! 😊😊😊

[@cedricorge8006]

IF wemby learns to use the skyhook in game.... he will be unstoppable!!!

[@cyber6sapien]

Victor shot 38% from three in February.

[@Teenieweeniemussolini]

Wemby needs to develop that floater 3 from the logo and his game will be complete

[@maxmeier532]

One thing I know for sure, Wemby hits every ceiling.

[@claude_k]

About the team roster comparison with Minnesota-KG starting at 1:10:20 , and Kyle saying "This system man..." : I believe the NBA system where worst teams get better picks is much MUCH better than just money buying prospective talent (I do not want to put words in Kyle's mouth, but not sure what else he could mean with his sigh...); and I am thinking of European soccer teams where the same (richest) five clubs battle for titles in each country and for a spot in Champions League (with an outlier here and there). And to further the comparison, the NBA where money alone rules would soon shrink to 24, then 20, maybe as litttle as 16 teams because the "big games" bringing in the ad $$$ would be the ones between the best (richest) teams, and soon they would not want to play against the 2nd-tier teams, just like the biggest European soccer Clubs have been trying for years now to create a European league with the 20 "best" teams, to generate more interest (they think) and most importantly more revenue.

[@mustaphalove8934]

How's Cody & the new family doing? J. Kyle Mann definitely better fill-in than that other bald guy too btw imo👏🏽

[@EmanCollins]

J KYLE MANN. HELL YEAH!

[@jeanlobrot]

Bruh I think wembys ceiling is greatest athlete to ever walk the earth

[@SteveJaffe]

Has anyone ever been a defensive anchor and a hub on offense? In 1988 Jordan won both Defensive Player of the Year and scoring title (35 PPG). Jordan's DPOT was a big deal at the time because at that stage he had a reputation as just a scorer.

[@ifheavenwashuman]

Wilt Chamberlain

[@IamnotfromUSA]

@@ifheavenwashuman Maybe in 1967 season but in every ther season Bill Russell was better defensivly.

[@razkable]

You guys love chet..he plays with shai and a good bench...he isn't paolo ant luka tatum morant or wemby...he ain't even zion yet...

[@siphillis]

If he fills out like Kareem and has the same durability, I don't see a scenario where he isn't one of the Top Ten greatest players in league history at the very least.

[@childrenofshanghai9894]

I am a little worried about Victor attending the Olympic games in France missing a proper break/preparation for next season...

[@sskmanentsa5326]

Between April to June he'll be free. The Olympics will be good for him, he'll get to play meaningful games vs the best in the world.

[@crablord7934]

It's only gonna be a problem in the future when he has playoff duties to balance with national team ones. This summer will be a pretty good way for him to prepare for next season, and who knows, maybe he gets that Lauri Markannen FIBA magic to go into the season.

[@TimothyFitzgerald-s8w]

I think Wemdy's ceiling is prime Kareem

[@ifheavenwashuman]

Even better than that

[@TimothyFitzgerald-s8w]

@@ifheavenwashuman it's starting to look like you're right

[@wc4201]

Vic is the second coming of Wilt.

[@RyanAsbra-c4o]

HAKEEEEEM D1 O1

[@gandydancer9710]

19:56 Wembanyama' is "eight feet"? And Anthony Davis is "seven and a half feet"? What are we measuring here, again? "Functional height"? (see 25:39) I will note here, re earlier comparison players, that Wilt was a bit shorter than Kareem... but his butt was noticeably higher off the ground than Kareem's. He legs were longer. What were their "functional heights"? Is that on Basketball Reference somewhere?

[@klinkclang]

Wingspan

[@crystalizedExposed]

wingspan which is just as important as height on defense

[@gandydancer9710]

@@crystalizedExposed Then say "wingspan", which is not, btw, "functional height". Functional height is MAYBE how high you can reach without jumping, but that depends not only on your wingspan but on how high your shoulders are.

[@judah9343]

@@gandydancer9710 dumb dumb

[@crablord7934]

​@@gandydancer9710 we got the nitpicking PHD here

[@guaca_muller]

I love hillbilly Cody!

[@JusiAlayco]

This other dude is insufferable bro lol doesn’t sound like he plays basketball at all💀